2 children abducted in Upshur

Authorities believe youths taken by family member, headed to Texas

March 13, 2013

The West Virginia State Police issued an Amber Alert Tuesday for two missing Upshur County girls, whom authorities believe to be in danger after allegedly being abducted by a family member.

The State Police believe the two were likely abducted by Margel Tenney, 62, who is described as being 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighing about 200 pounds. He was reportedly wearing a black sweatshirt, blue jeans and boots when last seen, according to the Amber Alert.

Authorities are searching for 16-year-old Shaina Nicole Tenney and 7-month-old Grace Hope Tenney. Shaina Tenney, who is described as being 5 feet, 2 inches tall and weighing 225 pounds and having black hair and hazel eyes, was last seen at a residence in the Rock Cave area. She was last seen wearing a black or gray hoodie, black stretch pants and white tennis shoes.

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G. Tenney

Grace Tenney is described as being 2 feet, 4 inches tall and weighing about 19 pounds. She is said to have black hair and blue eyes. She was reportedly wearing a flowered sun dress and pink coat when last seen.

The State Police reported the group initially may have been traveling in a 1999 red Dodge extended cab truck with an unknown registration, which was once seen heading south on West Virginia Route 20 near the Upshur-Webster county line, according to the Amber Alert. But a spokesman for the State Police said the group switched vehicles around 6:30 p.m. in the Belington area of Barbour County and could now be driving a tan, 2003 four-door Ford Taurus.

The State Police believes the group is heading to Texas. The State Police reported the Taurus has a license plate number of 2LW 179.

Anyone having information regarding the whereabouts of either girl is asked to call the Buckhannon detachment of the West Virginia State Police at 304-473-4200, their local 911 center or *SP on a cell phone.